The account of the miracle of the meal and oil multiplied through the prophet Elijah is a profound demonstration of God's provision and faithfulness, as recorded in the First Book of Kings. This event occurs during a time of severe drought and famine in the land of Israel, a divine judgment pronounced by Elijah himself as a consequence of the nation's idolatry under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.

Biblical Context

The narrative is found in 1 Kings 17:8-16. After Elijah announces the drought, the Lord instructs him to hide by the Brook Cherith, where he is miraculously fed by ravens. When the brook dries up, God commands Elijah to go to Zarephath, a town in Sidon, where He has directed a widow to provide for him.

The Miracle

Upon arriving at the gates of Zarephath, Elijah encounters the widow gathering sticks. He requests a little water and a piece of bread. The widow responds with despair, explaining that she has only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug, enough for one last meal for her and her son before they succumb to starvation.

Elijah reassures her with a prophetic promise from the Lord: "Do not be afraid. Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth'" (1 Kings 17:13-14).

In faith, the widow obeys Elijah's instructions. True to the word of the Lord, the jar of flour and the jug of oil sustain Elijah, the widow, and her household throughout the duration of the drought. The miraculous provision underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to provide for His people in times of dire need.

Theological Significance

This miracle serves as a testament to God's compassion and His power to sustain life even in the most desperate circumstances. It highlights the importance of faith and obedience to God's word, as demonstrated by the widow's trust in Elijah's prophetic message. The event also foreshadows the New Testament miracles of provision, such as Jesus feeding the multitudes, emphasizing God's unchanging nature and His care for those who rely on Him.

Historical and Cultural Insights

Zarephath, located in the region of Sidon, was outside the borders of Israel, indicating God's concern for Gentiles as well as Israelites. The widow's act of faith is particularly striking given her status as a non-Israelite and her dire circumstances. Her willingness to share her last meal with Elijah reflects a profound trust in the God of Israel, whom she may have known only through Elijah's testimony.

Lessons for Believers

The miracle of the meal and oil multiplied through Elijah encourages believers to trust in God's provision, even when resources seem insufficient. It challenges individuals to act in faith, prioritizing God's instructions over their own understanding. This account also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to work through His servants to accomplish His purposes on earth.1 Kings 17:14-16
For thus said the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... he putteth no trust in his servants, and chargeth ... the centurion was found worthy
through alms-giving ... who, while he was fasting, had wrought miracles, no sooner ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

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